brand names on air vents

Mike AK

I'm replacing my clogged main air vents in a one pipe steam system and adjusting the vents on the radiators (partly by buying new vents), but am confused about the range of prices as well as the venting capacity of various vents. A couple questions:

<p>1. What are the venting capacities of various models? Is there a comparison chart anywhere on the web that might help me (I've looked, without much luck)? Here is the best I can figure: a Hoffman 75 is similar to a Groton #2. A Groton #1 is similar to a Dole #5 and a Maid O'Mist #1. Is this about right? </p>

<p>2. A Groton #2 costs about three times more than a Groton #1. Does it vent more than two Groton #1?</p>

<P>3. Varivalve claims that a 1/8" varivalve, opened all the way, vents as much as a Groton #2 (and it costs about a third as much), and that it can be used as a main vent. Do you believe this claim? Have you ever seen or tried this?</p>

4. The Maid O'Mist graduated radiator vents are considerably less expensive than the Groton graduated valves. Is this a matter of quality costing more, or is there some other reason? Which brand would you recommend? (I want them to work well for a long time).

<P>5. Are adjustable radiator valves worth the extra cost? I've read some things that suggest it is difficult to adjust them effectively. Would you recommend using these?</p>

I know this is a lot of questions--but any help would be appreciated. Thanks,

Mike

Steamhead (in transit)

Not quite

The Gorton (NOT Groton) #1 is roughly similar in capacity to the Maid-o-Mist #1 and Hoffman #75, also the VariValve and the Gorton #D radiator vents.

The Gorton #2 will vent roughly 3-3.5 times faster than any of the above five vents. That's why we use so many of them.

Not sure about the Dole #5's capacity, but it's nowhere near the Gorton #2.

Maid-o-Mist vents look like Gortons, but their internal floats are plastic rather than brass. Go with Gorton.

Adjustable vents work well if you're not sure how a particular rad should be vented. One model, the Vent-Rite #1, can be adjusted without using tools. I like this vent for rooms that don't get used much- the owner can easily turn the vent down or off unless the room will be occupied.

For more detail, get a copy of the Gerry Gill/Steve Pajek e-book on venting. It's available in the online store of this site, and includes charts showing vent capacities as measured by their lab equipment.

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